explanation
UK[ˌɛkspləˈneɪʃən]US[ˌɛkspləˈneɪʃən]
n
A statement or account that makes something clear or understandable.
n
A reason or justification given for an action or belief.
Morpheme Breakdown
ex
plan
ation
ex
out
plan
flat
ation
noun suffix
Etymology
The word 'explanation' originates from the Latin verb 'explanare', which means "to make level, to flatten out, to make clear". This verb itself is a compound of 'ex-' (out) and 'planus' (flat, level). The metaphorical journey is vivid: just as flattening a surface makes it smooth and easy to see, the act of explaining "flattens out" a complex idea, spreading it out clearly for understanding. The suffix '-ation' was added to form the noun describing this process of making something clear or plain. Thus, the modern abstract meaning of a clarifying statement evolved directly from this concrete image of smoothing and leveling out information.
Analysis
Structure: ex (out) + plan (flat) + ation (noun suffix)
- ex: Latin origin, a prefix meaning "out, thoroughly".
- plan: Latin origin, from the root 'planus' meaning "flat, level, clear".
- ation: Latin origin, a noun-forming suffix indicating an action or process.
Examples
He gave a detailed explanation of how the machine works.
The only explanation for her absence is that she is unwell.
The teacher's explanation helped the students grasp the difficult concept.